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Discoloration can occur from hard water buildup, minerals in water, grease or mildew. Baking soda breaks down the buildup and provides a minor abrasive that scrubs away stains without damaging the grout or surrounding tile. The easiest method of grout cleaning starts the day your tile is installed. If you are diligent about cleaning your tile floors and other surfaces, and are meticulous about wiping out the grout as often as you clean your tile, it's going to be a long time before you see any discolored grout in the first place. Most grout discoloring is caused by oil, food and dirt particles that are left in the grout, then ground into the surface over time. Grout discoloration, though not normal, is not an uncommon occurrence. You may find that it has taken on a blotchy look, or perhaps the color has faded over time. In other cases, an unfortunate homeowner may find the grout to be uneven in color immediately after a new installation.Those yellow orange and pink stains on grout can be caused by the use of acid formulated shampoos and soaps. Regular maintenance with the proper cleaning products will eliminate this discoloration.Usually a good scrubbing is all you'll need to do to eliminate grout discoloring, though you may also need to remove and replace cracked and damaged areas, depending on the current state of the grout in your kitchen or bath. Discolored grout is stubborn stuff, so be ready to get your hands dirty. For basic grout cleaning, your best bet is to find a strong degreaser and a stiff nylon brush (many people recommend toothbrushes for this dirty work).Weekly scrubbing prevents discoloration from penetrating deeply into the grout. Removing the stains without replacing the grout requires some effort but is less intensive than removing and replacing the grout.To clean up discoloured grout (caused by soap scum, mildew and other delights), arm yourself with an old toothbrush and a suitable cleaner and scrub over the grout lines.The problem most people have is that they think if they scrub some of the actual grout out of the tile it will somehow compromise the tile itself – it will not. Grout has absolutely nothing to do with holding the tiles in place, stabilizing the tile, or any number of other things people are led to believe by the aforementioned "experts". Absolutely nothing. So scrub away. Baking Soda and Water Add a little baking soda to some water and make thick paste. Use the toothbrush to apply the baking soda paste to the grout, and rub vigorously. For deep stains leaves the paste on a scrub again. Re-do areas that remain stained and use a little lemon juice to remove the last residues. Vinegar and Baking Soda This is the best way to get grout clean without using harsh chemicals. Add some white vinegar to a spray bottle. Sprinkle the baking soda along the grout lines. Spray with vinegar and while the baking soda is fizzing scrub with an old tooth paste. The alkaline baking soda reacts strongly with the acid vinegar to produce a powerful fizzing bleach action. Wipe the grout with a damp sponge. Grout is a porous material and can thus usually be sufficiently cleaned using household products. Care should be taken to NOT use an acidic cleaner, like vinegar. This could damage the grout to the point of requiring removal and reapplication of the grout. Instead, alkaline cleaners like baking soda should be used.There are plenty of proprietary cleaners on the market, or be green(ish) and make your own mixture of bicarbonate of soda and a splash of vinegar or bleach. Ideally, you need to find a product with mould inhibitors, as these will discourage mould or mildew from returning. Go to main page Tile and Grout Cleaning Auckland for best assistance on the job
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